Murph workout returns Memorial Day

Murph events returned across the United States for Memorial Day weekend, with gyms, boot camps and community groups using the workout as both a tribute and, in some places, a fundraiser. Reports published on May 23 showed local organizers in places including Blacksburg, Virginia, and DuBois, Pennsylvania, promoting versions of the workout ahead of Memorial Day. The workout is tied to Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy, the U.S. service member whose name became attached to one of CrossFit’s best-known “hero workouts.” Men’s Journal reported this week that Murph has become a Memorial Day tradition at gyms around the country and is framed by trainers and participants as a tribute workout rather than a test reserved for elite athletes. (connectradio.fm) ### What exactly is the Murph workout people do on Memorial Day? The standard Murph is a 1-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups and 300 air squats, then another 1-mile run. Men’s Journal said that is the classic format most participants recognize, though gyms often adapt it for local events and for athletes with different experience levels. (mensjournal.com) A weighted vest is often associated with the workout in more advanced versions, but that is not required for general participation. Men’s Journal said the central elements are the run and high-volume bodyweight movements, and that many first-timers complete a modified version. (mensjournal.com) ### Why is Murph linked to Michael Murphy? Michael Murphy was a Navy lieutenant and SEAL officer killed in Afghanistan in 2005, according to Men’s Journal. The publication said the workout traces back to a routine Murphy called “Body Armor,” which later became widely known as Murph and was adopted as a Memorial Day observance in many CrossFit communities. (mensjournal.com) Men’s Journal said the workout’s continued popularity rests on that memorial connection as much as on the physical challenge. Jenna Hauca, identified by the magazine as CrossFit’s chief marketing officer, said “Murph represents challenge, purpose, and community.” (mensjournal.com) ### Where were Memorial Day weekend events scheduled? DuBois City Park scheduled “The Murph 2026” for Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Connect FM’s event listing. The station described it as an event where participants could “support a great cause,” indicating a community fundraising component alongside the workout itself. (mensjournal.com) Blacksburg Fit Body Boot Camp in Virginia was also reported to be hosting a Murph Challenge on May 23, according to the WDBJ briefing referenced in the source materials. That local coverage placed the workout among Memorial Day weekend events built around remembrance and group participation. ### Do beginners have to do the full version? Trainers told Men’s Journal that beginners should scale the workout rather than try to force the full prescription. (connectradio.fm) The publication said common adjustments include partitioning the repetitions into smaller sets, reducing the total volume, substituting assisted pulling movements and treating completion, not speed, as the goal. (wdbj7.com) Jenna Hauca told Men’s Journal that the workout is about “challenge, purpose, and community,” and the article said coaches urged first-timers to focus on safe participation. That guidance matched how local organizers presented weekend events — as open community workouts tied to Memorial Day observance. (mensjournal.com) ### What happens next over the holiday weekend? Memorial Day observances continue through Monday, May 25, and local Murph events remain part of that holiday schedule in some communities. Connect FM’s DuBois coverage separately listed Monday remembrance services in the area, while gyms and boot camps in other cities are expected to hold Murph workouts through the weekend and on Memorial Day itself. (mensjournal.com) (connectradio.fm)